Audible vs Libby

2024. Audible implemented AI-generated recommendations



Audible, the Amazon-owned audiobook service, continues to experiment with AI to improve audiobook discovery and offer customized recommendations. The latest feature - AI-powered tags, which analyze customer feedback to offer suggestions according to individual preferences and topic pages that helps users to find similar audio books. The experiment is only available to USA users with iOS and Android devices. Through a new “Tags” carousel in the app, Audible’s AI analyzes customer reviews and briefly explains why other listeners enjoyed a specific audiobook. This allows you to quickly get to the point without having to read numerous reviews.


2024. Audible recruits actors to train voice-generating AI for audiobooks



Audible, Amazon’s audiobook division, revealed that it will develop AI trained on the voices of professional narrators to produce new audiobook recordings. A select group of audiobook narrators based in the U.S. will be invited to train the AI with their voices starting this week, according to Audible. The trained AI will be employed to generate recordings and narrators will have the opportunity to approve their synthetic voice for particular works, as well as modify the pronunciation and pacing. Audible states that narrators who engage in the program will be compensated for any audiobooks produced using their AI-generated voices on a title-by-title, royalty-sharing basis.


2024. Audible is testing an AI-powered search feature



In the sprawling, labyrinthine universe of audiobooks, where titles pile up like improbably verbose galaxies, Audible has unleashed "Maven," a shiny new AI-powered search contraption that aims to make sense of it all. Starting today—though only for a chosen few U.S. customers (roughly half, but who's counting?)—Maven acts as a delightfully well-read companion, offering personalized audiobook suggestions to those brave enough to type in natural language queries like, "I need an uplifting fiction novel with a female protagonist, please." Available on iOS and Android, this clever algorithm sifts through Audible's nearly one-million-title-strong catalog, though it’s currently dabbling in only a modest corner of the library. Think of it as a Hitchhiker's Guide to Audiobooks, but for now, only a few earthlings have a copy.


2024. New AI tool helps authors release more audiobooks on Amazon



In a corner of the publishing universe, where the improbable meets the ineffable, Audible has managed to conjure up a rather astonishing feat: an astonishing 40,000 audiobook titles narrated by voices that, rather suspiciously, aren’t entirely human. Thanks to a beta-stage contrivance courtesy of Amazon, self-published authors linked to the Kindle Store can now wave a metaphorical wand (or possibly just click a button) and see their words transmogrified into audiobooks at speeds that would make even the most caffeinated human narrator weep. It’s all frightfully efficient, though it does leave listeners in the existential quandary of wondering whether their soothing bedtime voice belongs to an AI or a human. Meanwhile, the future of human narrators teeters on a precarious edge, as authors save time, money, and perhaps a tiny slice of their souls.


2024. Macmillan Audiobooks are now available on Cost-Per-Circ



In a move that might cause librarians to both cheer and spill their tea simultaneously, Overdrive has announced a rather clever alliance with Macmillan, embracing the Cost-Per-Circ program—a system that could be mistaken for witchcraft if not for its simplicity. Here’s how it works: libraries can now magically expand their audiobook collections with all of Macmillan’s offerings, yet only pay when a borrower takes a digital stroll through the title. These audiobooks, like well-behaved party guests, coexist amiably with other editions—be they One Copy/One User or the slightly eccentric Metered Access versions—giving patrons even more delicious reading opportunities. Among the catalog's gems are such illustrious works as Liane Moriarty's Apples Never Fall, Matthew Perry's Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, Jessica George's Maame, and Kristin Hannah's The Four Winds—a collection certain to turn quiet library corners into bustling hubs of auditory delight.


2024. Overdrive Libby is improved for reading digital magazines



Picture this, if you will: Libby, that pleasantly clever and ever-evolving digital library assistant, has decided it’s high time to embrace the untamed abundance of digital magazines cascading through library branches. In a fit of brilliance, it has conjured up a dedicated Magazine Rack within the Shelf summary—a veritable showcase of the latest editions of your subscribed magazines and any other publications you’ve whimsically picked. Now, finding your favorite reading material amidst the library’s digital sea is as effortless as locating your towel (if you’re paying attention). But wait, there’s more! A shiny new Subscribe button now graces search results and title pages, letting you hitch your reading wagon directly to any intriguing magazine. With a flicker of cosmic synchronicity, each fresh issue will tumble joyously into your Magazine Rack and set off a checkout process, sparing you any bureaucratic faff. One tap, and voilà! You’re off reading, checkout magically handled. The assortment, as vast as the Hitchhiker’s Guide itself, includes OverDrive darlings like Time, National Geographic, Rolling Stone, and even niche gems like Minecraft World. A truly stellar offering, wouldn’t you agree?


2023. Audible launches app for smart watches



In a galaxy not so far away, Audible has flung open the doors of possibility for Android smartwatch users everywhere, releasing a Wear OS app that’s as close to magic as technology can get without actually summoning a wizard. This marvel allows intrepid audiobook explorers to download their treasured tales straight to their wrists, enjoy the fine art of audio at whatever tempo suits them, and even pluck stories directly from their personal library on a Galaxy Watch—no pesky smartphone required! With Audible on Wear OS, you’re free to wander, unshackled from your phone, basking in the glorious convenience of having a universe of books tucked snugly onto your wrist. Whether you’re boldly venturing out or simply refusing to pick up your phone, Audible has created a splendidly immersive way to slip into story worlds, anytime, anywhere.


2023. Overdrive Libby is making it easier to read magazines



Overdrive, the rather clever entity behind the digital cogs and wheels of most public libraries across Canada, the U.S., and a healthy chunk of Europe, is busy sprucing up its beloved app, the charmingly named Libby. Among its new tricks is a cornucopia of complimentary magazines—more than 4,000 of them, no less, spanning both the contemporary and the dusty archives of yesteryear. The genius? Absolutely no queues, no irate muttering about holds, just an infinite number of eyeballs poring over The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, Newsweek, and Elle. For free. Yes, really. Overdrive assures us that Libby's upgrades make magazine subscribing a breeze, even tossing in helpful nudges when shiny new issues hit the shelves. Oh, and the magic doesn’t stop there—content discovery is now so seamless you’ll be flipping through pages with the graceful simplicity of a single tap. Delightful, isn’t it?


2023. Audible is testing ad-supported access



Audible is testing ad-supported access to select titles for non-members. The move indicates that the company may be exploring the possibility of an ad-based membership option. Audible declined to comment on any specific plans. The test includes audiobooks, podcasts and Audible Originals. Audible says the test applies to a limited subsection of titles on its platform. Content providers were informed of the change and given the chance to opt out of ads. Users who are part of the test will hear a total of eight ads within a 24-hour period. Audible says it has taken additional measures to make sure that ads won’t be heard too frequently within a short time span. The company currently offers an Audible Plus membership plan that costs $7.95 per month and includes a selection of Audible Originals, audiobooks, sleep tracks, meditation programs and podcasts.


2022. Libraries can now share thoughts and recommendations with Libby



Overdrive Libby has recently introduced new features allowing libraries to share insights, quotes, trivia and recommendations. Shelf Talkers provide a fresh avenue for each library to exhibit their curatorial expertise and knowledge through personalized notes to patrons within the Libby app. Shelf Talkers in Libby enable librarians to engage with readers by suggesting books, offering intriguing facts about a title or author, showcasing the curators' personalities and adding more library-specific character to their Libby collection. Shelf Talkers can be seen on a book’s details page in Libby and scheduled for future posting to keep them current and relevant. The following types of Shelf Talkers are currently available: recommendation (share librarian and staff picks), favorite quote (highlight a memorable quote from a title), trivia (include interesting facts about a title or author) and thought (offer timely updates about books, such as similar reads, upcoming movie adaptations, the anticipated release date for the next installment in a series, or upcoming book clubs or author visits at the library).


2022. You can no longer buy audiobooks on Audible for Android



Audible is altering their app experience on the Android platform. They are transitioning to Google Play Billing, which will impact individual title purchases; you will no longer be able to buy them directly. Additionally, new Audible memberships will be billed through Google Play rather than directly through Audible. You will still be able to use Audible credits to purchase books within the app and can also acquire additional credits there. This change is due to a new Google Policy for developers, which now imposes a 30% fee on each digital good for larger companies that earn over $1 million annually.


2022. Audible ties up with Wattpad



Audible has teamed up with the online social reading platform Wattpad, according to Indianexpress. The partnership will make the most popular stories from Wattpad accessible to Audible members in audiobook format. The Amazon-owned platform intends to add more Wattpad titles throughout 2022. Additionally, the advantage for Audible members is that these stories will be available at no cost. Audible stated that they are investing heavily in the Indian market and believe that offering more regional language audiobooks and podcasts will help them reach a larger segment of the audience.


2021. Waze now allows to stream Audible-audiobooks when driving a car



Mobile navigation app Waze, which provides driving directions, has integrated with Audible, enabling drivers to listen to audiobooks and podcasts. Audible subscribers can begin enjoying audio content directly within Waze, including Audible Originals, audiobooks and podcasts. Drivers can access over 600,000 Audible Originals and a vast amount of additional content. Waze already connects with numerous other audio apps, including Spotify, YouTube Music, Deezer, Pandora, NPR and others.


2020. Audible is changing its subscription packages



In the sort of unassuming but altogether marvelous way things tend to happen in the universe of audiobooks, Audible has unveiled a shiny new contraption called Audible Plus. For the modest sum of $7.95 per month—a number that sounds like it was plucked from thin air but is really rather precise—you’ll have access to a staggering 68,000 hours of content, including over 11,000 original productions, audiobooks, and podcasts. Meanwhile, their trusty old Audible Gold program has been given a fresh coat of paint and is now strutting about as Audible Premium Plus, priced at $14.95 per month. Here’s the twist: Audible Plus is all about diving into podcasts and original content, but alas, no credits in sight. Current Audible members can leap into the Plus library today, while new recruits will have to wait, with bated breath, until August 27th to join the fun.


2020. Audible updated library management on iOS



Audiobook service Audible, clearly taking a leaf from the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy's playbook, has given their iOS app library system a fantastical overhaul. Users—those noble multi-taskers juggling countless audiobooks—can now sort their literary treasures by genre, like a cosmic librarian on a mission, or conjure up custom collections with the sort of whimsical names you'd expect from a Vogon poet. The shiny new “Titles” feature lets you boldly filter books into “started,” “not-started,” and “finished” statuses, because why should Schrödinger’s audiobook remain in all states at once? For the lazy-but-efficient among us, books will automatically shuffle themselves into genres with no effort required (thank you, friendly algorithms). Oh, and the "Favorites" section? A sanctuary for your most cherished tales, perfect for looping them infinitely, much like pondering life, the universe, and everything.


2020. Audible is giving away hundreds of stories for kids



"For as long as schools are closed, we're open." That's Audible's new slogan, promising a significant impact in households around the globe. Audible has recently announced that hundreds of their child-friendly titles are available completely free of charge with no strings attached. There's no need to register or log in—just click the link and start listening. So, if your little ones are feeling restless and you don’t have time to read to them yourself, let Audible take over. There are stories suitable for all ages, from *Winnie-the-Pooh* for your young toddler to *The Mystery of Alice* for your tween. Additionally, there are numerous options in Spanish, French, German, Italian and Japanese. You can stream all these titles on your desktop, laptop, phone, or tablet.


2019. Audible.com brings Choose Your Own Adventure Stories to Alexa devices



Amazon’s Audible, in a dazzling display of technophilic whimsy, has embarked on a noble experiment: bringing Choose Your Own Adventure-style storytelling to Alexa devices. This isn’t just your average narrative fare—it’s a professionally orchestrated, voice-controlled leap into the imagination, courtesy of the original Choose Your Own Adventure book series publisher, ChooseCo. Ah, ChooseCo! The same merry band that once jousted legally with Netflix over a particularly cheeky Black Mirror episode, claiming said streaming behemoth had sidestepped acquiring the proper license for the sacred “Choose Your Own Adventure” trademark. Yet, here they are, poised to ride Netflix’s coattails and woo a generation of gadget-wielding youths who now view interactive storytelling as less a novelty and more an art form, or perhaps a delightful new distraction.


2018. Audible brings its audiobook library to the Apple Watch



Amazon-owned audiobook platform Audible has just launched its Apple Watch app. You can listen to audiobooks and manage your library directly from the compact screen. It’s a logical advancement for the service, considering the emphasis Apple has placed on smartwatch audio, with last year’s introduction of an LTE version of the watch and the recent unveiling of a native podcasting app for the platform. This also contributes to justifying the recent addition of Aaptiv fitness routines, which Audible integrated a few weeks ago. The feature made some sense on the phone, but bringing the course directly to a fitness/health-oriented device like the Apple Watch helps complete that vision. Those workout and meditation resources are free to Audible users until September of next year.


2017. Kindle gets Audible audiobooks support



The entry-level 8th generation Kindle and the first generation Amazon Kindle Oasis have both received firmware updates that enable users to purchase and listen to Audible audiobooks using Bluetooth headphones. There is a new option that lets you switch from the Kindle bookstore to Audible, featuring a series of images promoting the updated bookstore. If you are an Audible subscriber, any audiobook purchased with your monthly credits will automatically sync to your Kindle’s library. The built-in audiobook player is feature-rich; you can skip forward or backward by fifteen seconds and adjust the pitch level. While listening to an audiobook, the Oasis shows the remaining time in a chapter and includes software-controlled volume buttons. A Bluetooth notification at the bottom of the screen indicates the device you’ve paired with the Oasis or provides instructions on connecting headphones or a wireless speaker.


2017. Audible launched new unlimited subscription service Romance



Audible Romance is a new unlimited subscription service that provides users access to thousands of audiobook titles. Listeners will be able to immediately view a romance title’s level of steaminess. It offers access to 41 micro-categories and 131 story and character archetypes, allowing users to delve deeply into the catalog in engaging ways and find the romance titles that best match their preferences. Each micro-category will feature its own browse page and listeners can preview audio samples from each title before committing to the full story. Audible Romance is priced at $6.95 per month as an add-on to an Audible membership, or $14.95 per month as a standalone service.